Cartridge Directional 2/2 Way Valves - Normally Open

For Low-Flow Hydraulic Circuits

Cartridge directional 2/2 way valves – normally open – are compact hydraulic components designed to act as blocking or load-holding devices in low-flow circuits. In their default state, these valves allow fluid to pass freely; they only block flow when actuated. This makes them particularly useful in applications where fluid movement should be unrestricted under normal conditions but securely held when required.

At Hydraulics Online, we supply cartridge directional 2/2 way valves from a wide range of global manufacturers – including Bosch Rexroth and many others – with expert advice to help you select the right valve for your system.

Our website shows only a selection of what we supply. For impartial advice and access to our full range of hydraulic components, contact our expert team.

Cartridge Directional 2:2 Way Valves - Normally Open. product category header. For impartial advice and access to our full range of hydraulic components, contact our expert team.

These valves are a subcategory of cartridge valves, designed for compact installation directly into hydraulic manifolds or blocks.

Key features include:

Normally open design – allows fluid flow in the default state, blocking only when actuated.
Directional function – controls fluid between two ports (inlet and outlet).
Compact cartridge format – reduces external piping and simplifies circuit design.
Versatile actuation options – available in mechanical, hydraulic, or solenoid-operated versions.

Unrestricted flow by default – ideal for circuits requiring free fluid movement until control is needed.
Load-holding capability – blocks flow when actuated, preventing unintended actuator movement.
Compact integration – fits directly into manifolds for space-saving design.
Reliable performance – suitable for low-flow hydraulic circuits.
Flexible system design – supports multiple actuation methods and circuit configurations.

These valves are widely used in:

Mobile machinery (construction, agriculture, forestry)
Industrial automation and process control
Marine and offshore hydraulic systems
Energy and utility installations
Material handling and lifting equipment

They are particularly valuable in systems requiring free flow under normal conditions with secure blocking when actuated.

What does “normally open” mean? It means the valve allows fluid flow in its default state and only blocks flow when actuated.

How do normally open valves differ from normally closed valves? Normally open valves allow free flow until actuated, while normally closed valves block flow until actuated.

Are cartridge valves suitable for manifold installation? Yes, their cartridge format is designed for compact manifold integration, reducing external piping.